Feeling bummed out

[texdiveguy]

Completed my OW course several weeks back,,,,,but after 2 dive outings have ended up with barotrauma to the right ear after each outing. The first time was after my lake check out dives (4)..... now again after 2 dives yesterday-- 30'/46min. and 27'/28min.. I decended VERY slow on both dives.... my left ear equalizes real well I think, but the right is difficult and maybe is only partially equalizing both on decending and accending a bit even. I had no sharp pain yesterday,,and the dives went pretty good except for a few times feeling a small amount of presure in the ears (raise-up and eqlz.) but still the right ear did not feel completly popped like the left. Feel bummed cause I guess I will visit the ENT again within 2 weeks...GEE.....a ton of time and ton of $$$ I have invested, and really love it,,,,but don't feel happy with this ear problem. Congresation//sinus//easthasian tube might be scared from childhood ear infections??? Sorry to unload on you guys,,,,just feel down a bit,,,,want to continue to dive and grow in the sport.

 

[BluOrchid2]

Sorry to hear you're having such bad problems with your ear. Do you know about the Pro Ear Mask? I know they sell it at LP; my FIL bought one because he has some ear problems as well.

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

Make sure that your ENT is a dive ENT. Contact DAN if you need a referral.

 

[Kim]

I'm not a doctor so if I was you I would go and see the ENT. However, it's quite common for new divers to experience some ear problems when they do their early dives. The good news is that for most people they tend to go away after a while. I don't know what's wrong with your ear - but I wouldn't worry too much yet. If the ENT checks your ear and there is no real physical problem then you have a good chance that with a bit more practice it all becomes easier . One tip that sometimes helps (but I wouldn't do it before you see a doctor) is a little bit of baby oil massaged into your inner ear. Anyway - good luck!!

 

[fmw625]

I looked at this last night. Took about an hour. Lots of good info.

http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html

 

[jbd]

Completed my OW course several weeks back,,,,,but after 2 dive outings have ended up with barotrauma to the right ear after each outing. The first time was after my lake check out dives (4)..... now again after 2 dives yesterday-- 30'/46min. and 27'/28min.. I decended VERY slow on both dives.... my left ear equalizes real well I think, but the right is difficult and maybe is only partially equalizing both on decending and accending a bit even. I had no sharp pain yesterday,,and the dives went pretty good except for a few times feeling a small amount of presure in the ears (raise-up and eqlz.) but still the right ear did not feel completly popped like the left. Feel bummed cause I guess I will visit the ENT again within 2 weeks...GEE.....a ton of time and ton of $$$ I have invested, and really love it,,,,but don't feel happy with this ear problem. Congresation//sinus//easthasian tube might be scared from childhood ear infections??? Sorry to unload on you guys,,,,just feel down a bit,,,,want to continue to dive and grow in the sport.

Not sure what technique(s) you are using to equalize but some folks have better luck if they wiggle their jaw or move their head from side to side. Sometimes swallowing helps. Some people start their dive by "equalizing" before starting the descent. Make sure you equalize every few feet during the descent--new divers are not usually as aware how far they have descended before equalizing or trying to equalize.
I have heard it said that the more frequently you actually equalize the easier it gets---so lots of dives means lots of practice and the Eustachian tubes get more adapted to the activity.

Make sure you talk with the ENT in depth about it. Write down any questions you have and hand it to him/her so they can have a chance to answer all your questions.

 

[H2Andy]

i know this is obvious, but just in case:

descending slowly doesn't mean a thing if you are not equalizing the whole way down, all the time, constantly. if you feel ANY discomfort, ascend a little and equalize and then keep equalizing all the way down. the key is to equalize BEFORE you feel a need
to do so (i.e. you feel discomfort).

have you tried that?

 

[Lauren0Liz]

Ears are no fun and I feel your pain, litterally. I hope you get things straightened out.

 

[texdiveguy]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and concern.....I have an appt. with my ENT tomm. late afternoon,,,,,will keep you posted as to what I learn.

 

[Halthron]

My wife did the same thing in our class last week and was diagnosed yesterday. So, she'll have to miss this weekend for sure and there's a good chance she'll miss next weekend too. She's bummed too.